Stay at Home Order

Yesterday in Indiana, Governor Holcomb, issued a state-wide Stay-at-Home Order because of COVID-19 (coronavirus).   In Indiana, there are new restrictions across the state.   The Order requires us to do or not do certain things. Some businesses have to close but there are exceptions.

There are several states like Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois that surround us and they have issued stay-at-home orders or shelter-in-place orders.   In Indiana, this order takes effect from March 25th, 2020 to April  7, 2020.   We don’t know how long the emergencies caused by COVID-19 will last.

What does the stay-at-home order actually mean?  Well, it means that you should stay indoors and only leave for essential purposes.  So, yes, you can go outside for essential purposes.  However, follow the latest social distancing guidelines.

Nonessential government and business operations will close.  There are some exemptions.  I will not give an exhaustive list but will attach the Order here.  Review the Order to get all the exemptions or check out the FAQ here.

Some of the activities that are essential are things that relate to the health and safety of you and the members of your house.

Some of the businesses that are exempted and allowed to remain.

Some businesses that will close:

First, the Indiana National Guard is not currently being tasked with enforcement of this Order.  The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the Order as it pertains to restaurants and bars.  The Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this Order.

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing, and/or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider.  Also, reduce your contact with others (self-quarantine) to reduce the spread of the virus.

Nonessential medical care such as routine eye exams and teeth-cleanings should be postponed/rescheduled for a later date.

Although not explicitly mentioned in the governor’s order, it is possible.  Indiana Code 10-14-3-29 provides for the purposes of emergency control and protect and provide for the public safety and welfare of citizens.  The penalty for violation of an emergency order under Indiana Code 10-14-3-34 states; A person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor.

The Law of the Mark Nicholson is open for business! If you need an Indiana attorney to help protect your rights please contact us at 317-667-0718 or visit our marknicholsonlaw.com.

Listen to the podcast below and subscribe to The Nicholson Nugget.

Stay-At-Home Order

The post Stay-at-Home Order: Can I Go Outside? appeared first on Law Office of Mark Nicholson.